Call for Applications: Strengthening U.S.–Africa Economic Ties through Trade and Investment

The U.S. Mission to the African Union (USAU) has introduced a brand new funding alternative below its Public Diplomacy Program to deepen business partnerships and funding between the United States and Africa. With as much as $150,000 in complete funding out there, this initiative invites proposals that promote sustainable financial development, technological innovation, and people-to-people ties throughout the continent.

About the Opportunity

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO 01/2025) titled “Enhancing U.S.–Africa Ties through Trade and Investment for Economic Growth” is funded through the FY25 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. It goals to assist initiatives that advance the U.S. technique for engagement with the African Union by prioritizing financial growth and inclusive funding.

Priority Focus Areas

All proposals should incorporate a transparent U.S. ingredient—such because the inclusion of U.S. establishments, consultants, or shared coverage views—and align with a minimum of one of many following precedence areas:

• Boosting Trade in Critical Minerals: Support initiatives that diversify the worth chain and promote clear governance in extractive industries.

• Strengthening Investment in African Industries: Emphasize manufacturing, expertise, and workforce growth.

• Fostering Innovation and Ethical AI: Encourage digital inclusion and African contributions to world conversations on AI and disinformation.

• Enhancing Private Sector Partnerships: Build bilateral enterprise networks between African and U.S. stakeholders.

• Infrastructure Development and Entrepreneurship: Cultivate native innovation, strengthen provide chains, and increase entry to funding.

Funding Details

• Award Range: $50,000 – $100,000

• Performance Period: 3 to 12 months (with attainable no-cost extensions)

• Number of Awards: 2–3

• Start Date: Expected September 2025

Who Can Apply?

Eligible candidates embrace:

• Nonprofit organizations (together with suppose tanks and NGOs)

• Public and personal academic establishments

• Public International Organizations and authorities establishments

• Individuals

Note: For-profit entities are usually not eligible. Cost-sharing is just not required however strongly inspired.

What Activities Are Funded?

Applicants could suggest a spread of actions, equivalent to:

• Strategic coverage dialogues and advocacy

• Public communications and campaigns

• Workshops, trainings, and capacity-building occasions

• Cultural programming and cross-sectoral neighborhood initiatives

Evaluation Criteria

Applications shall be assessed primarily based on:

• Quality and feasibility of the thought

• Budget readability and reasonability

• Organizational capability and previous efficiency

• Monitoring and analysis technique

• Sustainability and long-term affect

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A accomplished proposal (max 5 pages)

2. Mandatory federal types (SF-424 sequence)

3. Budget and justification

4. CVs or resumes of key personnel

5. Letters of assist from associate organizations

Applications are due by August 15, 2025, at 4:59 PM EAT, and should be submitted through e-mail to AddisUSAUPD@state.gov or through www.grants.gov.

For extra particulars, REVIEW the NOFO (01/2025) and REVIEW the Annual Program Statement.

EXPLORE the Opportunities for Youth homepage for extra alternatives like this.